Manx Utilities is set to commence wildlife and environmental surveys for its proposed Cair Vie wind farm on the Isle of Man. The project, which is expected to have a capacity of around 20MW, is slated to be located at the Earystane plantation in the southwest of the island.
Consultancy Wardell Armstrong SLR has been hired to carry out the environmental assessments, which will focus on local wildlife including bats, birds, frogs, long-eared owls, and raptors. The surveys are scheduled to take place from April to June and will provide critical data for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) document, which will be part of the upcoming permit application expected later this year.
The wind farm is projected to supply over a quarter of the island’s annual electricity demand, based on wind speed assessments. Two design options are currently under consideration: a four-turbine array using 5MW turbines up to 150 meters tall, or a three-turbine scheme with 185-meter turbines rated at 7MW each.
Manx Utilities has stated its goal to have the wind farm operational by 2026, pending the necessary planning approvals. The company is working to ensure that the project aligns with environmental and regulatory standards while contributing to the island’s renewable energy capacity.
